James Clapper, the director of national intelligence, wants Congress to pass a limited funding measure that pays for the intelligence community's operations as the fight over the government shutdown proceeds. (AP/Evan Vucci)

James Clapper, the director of national intelligence, wants Congress to pass a limited funding measure that pays for the intelligence community's operations as the fight over the government shutdown proceeds.

"I certainly think it would be [appropriate to pass such a limited funding measure]," Clapper told Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., during a Senate hearing Wednesday morning. "And, of course, the support to the military particularly in the case of [the Defense Department] involves three combat support agencies, one of which is NSA, who are, although funded in the national intelligence program, are providing support to military day in and day out, so I would be a strong supporter."

Congress passed a funding measure that paid for Defense Department operations and ensured that military service members would receive their pay on time, but President Obama and Senate Democrats have rebuffed attempts to pass similar measures for other aspects of government.

"Consideration of appropriations bills in a piecemeal fashion is not a serious or responsible way to run the United States Government," Obama said through a statement of administration policy from the White House Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday morning.